iRevo Gateman recently updated the Gateman F10 digital lock that has served users very well all over the world. Historically, there was the Gateman F10 ... and then the spin-offs Gateman F10, Gateman F10-Hook, Gateman F50, Gateman F50-Hook, Gateman F50-FD, and the more recent Gateman WF10, and not to mention the Yale 4110!

Today, we see the Gateman WF20, both a physical update and an electronics firmware revision to the family (and what a family lineage!) of Gateman fingerprint rim lock that is easy and practical to use with a very attractive price.

What's new and what's the same for the Gateman WF20?

The front body retains the same body format and shape of the Gateman WF10 and we think it is a very good decision as we find the design subtle and accessible.

The rear body is now more compact (10mm shorter horizontally) which allows it to better fit tight spaces for door with architraves (protruding wood inlays typically in the form of rectangular boxes on older timber doors).

The rear body (as a result of the compaction) has shed the mechanical switches for volume, automatic/manual lock and double lock. The volume and automatic/manual lock settings are still available as electronic settings but it is not as easily accessible. The double lock setting has been removed completely in the WF20 - so go for the WF10 modelsif you need this privacy feature.

The rear body has a flip outwards top open battery cover which we find to be not as easy to use as the previous model Gateman WF10 and some condo handle bars may obstruct the opening of the battery cover and hence not suitable for Gateman WF20

The firmware has been revised with new features which is summarised in the attached diagram. The new features may appeal to premises with non-trusted parties (eg. office, shared residential/tenanted premise, or any premise which expect regular changes for users due to attrition)

(update Feb 2018) The voice guide language has been recently updated to include English and Chinese, in addition to Korean.

Conclusion:Gateman WF20 is a welcomed update mostly in firmware for those looking for more controls in a lock settings. Current Gateman WF10 users should be very happy with what they have; the Gateman WF10 is one that has almost everything a normal user will care for and we for one will miss it -- and for that reason we stashed a few in our warehouse for our employees and for those who asked for it. If you are getting a new digital lock and wanted a fingerprint lock, the Gateman WF20 should be the top two in your consideration, with the other being a Gateman Z10.​